The Wine Capital of Missouri

In the early 19th century, a group of 17 German settlers arrived in Hermann, Missouri, dreaming of creating a community where they could freely preserve their culture. Upon arrival, however, they quickly discovered that the land was not as it had been advertised: steep, rugged terrain made most forms of farming nearly impossible. Despite these challenges, the settlers persevered, planting vineyards on the hillsides and making the most of the land. By the end of the century, winemaking had become a thriving industry in Hermann, and it remains successful to this day. Today, visitors from around the world come to Hermann not only to sample its wine but also to experience the lasting legacy of its German heritage.

Stone Hill Winery a Missouri Icon

As the oldest and most highly awarded winery in Missouri, Stone Hill Winery should be the first stop on every wine aficionado’s itinerary. Its roots trace back to 1847, when Michael Poeschel, a German immigrant, sold his first batches of commercial wine. The winery became a pioneer in the Missouri wine industry and was the state’s largest producer until the prohibition era. Over the years, Stone Hill Winery’s wines have earned more than 5,000 awards and have repeatedly been honored with the 'Governor’s Cup,' which recognizes the best wine in Missouri.

Explore the winery's heritage further with a guided tour of its grounds and facilities. The guide will also take you through the winery’s arched underground cellars, the largest series of its kind in the country. In the tasting room, sample from a large variety of wines, then visit the winery’s museum room which showcases an exhibit of winery artifacts. Finish your visit to Stone Hill with a dinner at its restaurant, Vintage 1847. This restaurant was once a historic carriage house and barn before being converted into a dining spot in 1979. The restaurant maintains its barnlike feel and offers traditional German and American cuisine, such as pork schnitzel, Bavarian pretzels, and burgers.

Other Wineries Worth Discovering

You would need several days to explore all of the wineries near Hermann. The Adam Puchta Winery is another historic winery to add to your travel list. This winery, founded in 1855, is the oldest continuously owned and operated family farm winery in the country. The Puchta family has remained its sole owner since the winery's establishment in the mid-19th century. For an intimate tasting experience, reserve a Heritage Tasting, which includes six award-winning wine samples and a charcuterie board, all guided by a trained wine steward.

The G. Husmann Wine Company is named after George Husmann, who many consider to be the father of Missouri’s grape industry. With over 40 years of experience, winemaker Paul LeRoy leads the production of well-balanced wines, ranging from dry to semi-dry. This winery has a tasting room conveniently located in Hermann’s downtown district. The winery also serves locally crafted sausages and cheeses and allows picnics on its patio.

Make sure to plan a visit to Hermannhof Winery before concluding your trip. This winery is home to 10 historic stone cellars that were constructed in the mid-19th century and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only will visitors have a great wine-tasting experience at Hermannhof, but they will also be able to appreciate Hermann’s German traditions here through German-style sausages and sandwiches.

Hermann Farm Offers A Step Back in Time

Hermann’s agricultural scene extends beyond just its vineyards. A visit to Hermann Farm is the perfect way to continue exploring the town’s agricultural scene. This historic farm dates back to 1847, when Charles Teubner built a Greek Revival-style home on the property. The home continues to be the farm’s focal point, beautifully preserving its centuries of history.

Today, the farm plays an important role in the preservation of the Shire horse, a breed that is recovering from near extinction. You can see these horses up close during a half-hour carriage ride through the farm property. During the tour, a knowledgeable driver will share the story of the farm as they pass by original homesteads, Missouri mules, Katahdin sheep, wild turkeys, and other animals that reside on the farm. After the carriage tour, swing by the farm’s Black Shire Distillery to sample gin, whiskey, bourbon, or vodka in the rustic-style tasting room.

German Sausage Making 101

What better way to enjoy a Hermann wine than with one of your own hand-crafted sausages? Learn to make sausages at Hermann Wurst Haus, where award-winning Wurstmeister Mike Sloan teaches about the beloved German tradition of sausage making. The course, offered periodically throughout the year, is perfect for everyone, from beginners to experienced sausage makers.

In the Wurst Making 101 Class, you'll learn techniques for mixing and grinding, ingredients to use, types of castings, cooking and smoking times, safe handling techniques, and much more. Sloan also offers a Summer Sausage Making course, which dives into cold- vs hot-smoked sausages, fermentation and casting types, and safe handling techniques that are perfect for extending your summer sausage-making skills.

Other Sips & Tastings To Expolore

After visiting a couple of wineries in Hermann, you might want to switch things up with a different tasting experience. Located in downtown Hermann, spend an afternoon at the Olive Branch, an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room. At the tasting bar, try an incredible assortment of extra virgin olive oils, including black truffle, bacon, chipotle, hickory smoked, and basil olive oil. Some of the balsamic vinegar varieties available to taste include bourbon-maple, black cherry, Italian espresso, Chocolate Di Torino, and Jalapeno Lime.

Those wanting to sample some of Hermann’s craft beers can do so at Tin Mill Brewery. This brewery sits in an old grain processing plant downtown and uses traditional German brewing techniques for its beers, brewing most according to the German Purity Law of 1516. While at the brewery, snack on a varied food menu that includes dishes like spicy cheese curds, flatbread pizzas, and cinnamon sugar pretzels.

Why This Wine Destination Should Be on Your List

Although Missouri may not be the first state that comes to mind for wine regions, the wineries in Hermann are sure to impress even the most dedicated wine enthusiasts. It is no surprise, however, that the region produces such high-quality wines, with several wineries operating since the 19th century. Beyond the vineyards, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, like farm tours and sausage-making classes. So come hungry and thirsty, and get ready for a world-class culinary experience in Hermann!